Last updated 2026-11-08 · Medically reviewed by Dr Raman Garg · Punjab, India
20+ years | 10,000+ laparoscopic surgeries | 1,000+ hernia repairs | Cashless insurance | OPD Mon to Sat 10 AM to 5 PM
What a hernia is, in simple words
Your belly wall is made of muscle and a tough sheet called fascia. It works like the wall of a tyre, holding everything inside. When one spot becomes weak or tears, a part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through and makes a lump under the skin. That lump is a hernia. People in Punjab also call it harniya, hirniya or hernia ki bimari.
A hernia does not heal by itself, because a muscle gap does not close without repair. Belts, exercises and desi remedies may reduce discomfort for a while, but they do not close the gap. The only treatment that removes the problem is surgery, ideally laparoscopic hernia surgery in suitable patients.
The type of hernia depends on where the weak spot is. The type decides the symptoms, who gets it, how urgent it is and which operation is best. That is why the first step is always to find out which hernia you have.
Every hernia type at a glance
| Type | Where it occurs | Typical symptoms | Who gets it | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inguinal hernia | Groin, where the thigh meets the lower belly; can reach the scrotum | Lump in groin, dragging pain, heaviness, swelling in scrotum | Mostly men; farmers, labourers, drivers, people who strain | Inguinal hernia surgery |
| Scrotal hernia | Inguinal hernia that has descended into the scrotum | Swollen scrotum, pulling pain, difficulty walking | Men with a long-standing groin hernia | Inguinal hernia surgery |
| Bilateral hernia | Both groins together | Lumps on both sides | Men, older adults | Bilateral hernia surgery |
| Umbilical hernia | At or around the navel | Bulge at the belly button, pain on coughing or lifting | Adults, women after pregnancy, people with obesity | Umbilical hernia surgery |
| Epigastric hernia | Midline above the navel, below the ribs | Small tender lump in the upper middle belly | Adults aged 20 to 50, often thin or active | Ventral hernia surgery |
| Ventral hernia | Any weak spot on the front belly wall | Visible bulge, aching, worse on standing | Adults with weak belly muscle or obesity | Ventral hernia surgery |
| Incisional hernia | Along an old surgical scar | Bulge at the scar, pain, stretched skin | After C-section, hysterectomy, appendix or bowel surgery | Incisional hernia surgery |
| Femoral hernia | Just below the groin crease, on the upper inner thigh | Small, firm lump low in the groin, can be painful | Mostly women; also older adults | Femoral hernia surgery |
| Hiatal (hiatus) hernia | Upper stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm | Acid reflux, burning in the chest, belching, difficulty swallowing | Adults over 40, obesity, long-term reflux | Hiatal hernia surgery |
| Recurrent hernia | Same site as an earlier hernia repair | Lump comes back after surgery | Patients after open repair, heavy workers, smokers | Recurrent hernia surgery |
| Complex or large hernia | Large defect, often with loss of belly wall | Big bulge, difficulty bending, skin changes | Long-standing hernias, multiple past surgeries | Complex hernia surgery |
| Sports hernia | Groin muscle and tendon strain, no clear lump | Groin pain with sprinting or twisting | Footballers, kabaddi and hockey players, runners | Sports hernia treatment |
| Obstructed or strangulated hernia | Any hernia whose contents are stuck or choked | Sudden severe pain, hard lump, vomiting | Anyone with a hernia; an emergency | Emergency hernia surgery |
Women have their own pattern of hernias, especially after pregnancy and C-section. A separate page covers this: hernia surgery for women.
Groin hernias: inguinal, scrotal and femoral
The groin is the most common site. An inguinal hernia appears as a lump in the fold between the thigh and the lower belly. It often becomes visible when you stand, cough or lift something, and may slide back when you lie down. In men, the gut can travel down the canal and reach the scrotum. That is a scrotal hernia, and it makes one side swell like a small balloon.
Who gets it: a farmer lifting wheat bags, a truck driver with a long sitting day, a shopkeeper with a chronic cough, or an elderly man with a weak prostate who strains to pass urine. Straining raises belly pressure again and again until a weak spot gives way.
A femoral hernia sits a little lower, below the groin crease, and it is more common in women. It is small but riskier, because the neck of the sac is narrow and the gut can get trapped quickly. If you notice a small hard lump in the upper thigh, do not wait.
Treatment is surgery. Laparoscopic repair (TAPP or TEP) uses three small cuts and fixes both sides through the same cuts when needed. Open repair uses one cut of 6 to 8 cm. Both use mesh. See TAPP and TEP repair and open hernia surgery.
Navel and belly wall hernias: umbilical, epigastric, ventral
An umbilical hernia, also called naabhi ka hernia or belly button hernia, pushes out at the navel. Babies often have a small one that closes by itself. In adults it does not close. Women after pregnancy, people with a big belly and people with liver disease or fluid in the belly are most at risk.
An epigastric hernia sits in the midline above the navel. It is often small, sometimes the size of a grape, and tender when touched. Because the opening is narrow, the lump is mostly fat, and pain can feel out of proportion to the size.
Ventral hernia is the umbrella word for any hernia on the front belly wall. If someone says pet ka hernia, the answer is usually one of these three.
Surgery repairs the gap and supports it with mesh. Small ones can be done open; larger ones are better by keyhole. Read umbilical hernia surgery and ventral hernia surgery.
Call +91 82641-60001 | WhatsApp your report | Book appointment
Call +91 82641-60001 WhatsApp your report Book appointmentHiatal hernia: the one in your chest, not your belly
A hiatal hernia is different. The stomach slides up through the opening in the diaphragm where the food pipe passes. You will not see a lump. You feel acid reflux, heartburn, burping, a sour taste, food sticking, or chest discomfort after meals. Many people take antacid tablets for years without knowing a hiatal hernia is behind it.
It becomes more common after 40, with obesity, pregnancy and long-term cough. Medicines control acid but do not fix the hernia. When symptoms are strong, or the stomach has moved a lot, surgery with fundoplication gives lasting relief. Dr Raman Garg was among the first surgeons in Bathinda to perform complex hiatus hernia surgery. See hiatal hernia surgery and the guide acid reflux and hiatal hernia.
Scar hernias: incisional and recurrent
An incisional hernia grows at the site of an old operation. The scar line heals on the outside, but the muscle layer below can stay weak. A C-section, hysterectomy, appendix surgery or bowel surgery are the usual starting points. Many women notice a bulge below the navel months or years after a C-section. Infection after the first surgery, diabetes, smoking and obesity raise the risk.
A recurrent hernia is one that comes back after an earlier repair. This is a harder operation, because scar tissue has changed the tissue planes. An experienced laparoscopic surgeon can often fix it with mesh placed in a fresh layer. Read incisional hernia surgery, recurrent hernia surgery and the blog on hernia after C-section.
Sports hernia and other rare types
A sports hernia is not a classic hernia. There is no bulge. It is a strain of the tendons and muscles of the lower belly and groin, common in kabaddi, football, hockey and athletics players. It feels like a deep groin ache that gets worse with sprints and turns. See sports hernia treatment.
Rarer types include Spigelian hernia (on the side of the belly wall), obturator hernia (deep in the pelvis, mostly in thin elderly women) and lumbar hernia (in the back). These are often found on a scan. Dr Raman Garg handles them as part of complex hernia surgery.
How to know which type you have
Use this simple five-step check. It does not replace an examination, but it helps you describe the problem on the phone.
- Where is the lump? Groin or scrotum points to an inguinal hernia. Navel points to umbilical. Above the navel suggests epigastric. A scar suggests incisional. Lower in the groin crease or upper thigh suggests femoral.
- Does it change with standing and coughing? A hernia bulge usually pops out on standing, coughing or lifting, and goes back when you lie down.
- Is there a lump at all? Burning chest, sour burps and food sticking, without any lump, point to a hiatal hernia.
- Have you had an operation there before? If yes, think incisional or recurrent.
- Is the lump hard, painful and stuck? That is an emergency. Do not wait.
Other lumps in the groin or belly can look similar: hydrocele, lipoma (fatty lump), enlarged lymph node, or a pulled muscle. Dr Raman Garg can tell them apart in OPD within minutes. Read lump in groin: hernia or something else and hernia vs hydrocele.
How Dr Raman Garg confirms your hernia type
Most hernias are found by examination alone. Dr Raman Garg checks you standing and lying down and asks you to cough. If the diagnosis is unclear, or you have a large or recurrent hernia, he orders a scan. A hiatal hernia needs endoscopy or a barium swallow.
| Item | Starting (Rs) | Average (Rs) | Maximum (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPD consultation | 500 | 700 | 1,000 |
| Ultrasound abdomen or groin | 600 | 1,000 | 1,800 |
| CT scan abdomen (when needed) | 3,500 | 6,000 | 9,000 |
| Upper GI endoscopy | 2,000 | 3,200 | 5,000 |
| Barium swallow | 1,200 | 2,000 | 3,500 |
| Hernia belt (temporary support only) | 400 | 900 | 2,500 |
Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on the hernia type, size, number of sides, mesh used and your health.
A hernia belt gives temporary support only and does not cure anything. See does a hernia belt work and the full list of hernia diagnosis tests.
Surgery cost by hernia type
| Item | Starting (Rs) | Average (Rs) | Maximum (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open inguinal hernia repair with mesh, one side | 30,000 | 45,000 | 65,000 |
| Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP or TEP), one side | 50,000 | 75,000 | 1,10,000 |
| Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, both sides | 70,000 | 1,05,000 | 1,60,000 |
| Umbilical hernia repair, open with mesh | 30,000 | 48,000 | 75,000 |
| Umbilical or paraumbilical hernia, laparoscopic (IPOM) | 55,000 | 80,000 | 1,20,000 |
| Epigastric or ventral hernia repair | 50,000 | 78,000 | 1,15,000 |
| Femoral hernia repair | 45,000 | 70,000 | 1,00,000 |
| Incisional hernia repair | 70,000 | 1,05,000 | 1,60,000 |
| Recurrent hernia repair (redo) | 70,000 | 1,00,000 | 1,50,000 |
| Large or complex abdominal wall hernia | 1,00,000 | 1,50,000 | 2,50,000 |
| Hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication | 90,000 | 1,30,000 | 2,00,000 |
| Emergency (obstructed or strangulated) hernia surgery | 70,000 | 1,10,000 | 1,80,000 |
| Sports hernia (athletic pubalgia) repair | 50,000 | 70,000 | 1,00,000 |
| Standard mesh (polypropylene), add-on | 3,000 | 8,000 | 15,000 |
| Composite, 3D or IPOM mesh, add-on | 15,000 | 25,000 | 40,000 |
Note: These are typical Punjab costs for 2026. The final cost may vary after Dr Raman Garg examines you, depending on the hernia type, size, number of sides, mesh used and your health.
Published ranges from Mohali and Chandigarh hospitals put open inguinal mesh repair at about Rs 25,000 to 60,000 and laparoscopic repair at about Rs 45,000 to 1,20,000. Big-city metro hospitals often charge more. Keyhole costs more than open because of equipment and mesh, but patients return to work one to two weeks earlier. Details: hernia surgery cost in Punjab.
Which treatment suits which type
- Watchful waiting is sometimes reasonable for a small, painless inguinal hernia in a man, but only after Dr Raman Garg has examined you. It is not suitable for femoral hernias or any hernia with pain that is increasing.
- Hernia belt gives temporary support. It does not close the gap.
- Medicines control acid in a hiatal hernia. They do not repair it.
- Surgery is the lasting treatment. Most patients have a laparoscopic repair through three small cuts, lasting about 45 to 90 minutes for groin and umbilical repairs (hiatal repair takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours). Most patients walk within hours and go home within 24 hours. Desk work resumes in about one week, driving in one to two weeks, and heavy lifting after four to six weeks (farm and labour work after eight to twelve weeks).
- Open repair uses one 6 to 8 cm cut, one to two days in hospital and desk work after two to three weeks.
BGCI uses the stitchless laparoscopic technique with skin glue, so there is no stitch removal visit. Read can a hernia heal without surgery for the honest answer.
Warning signs for any type
Go to a hospital the same day for sudden severe pain, a hard lump that will not go back, vomiting, fever, redness over the lump, or no passing of gas or stool. These signs mean the gut may be trapped. Call +91 82641-60001 and go to the nearest emergency room first if you are far from Bathinda. See emergency hernia surgery.
Insurance and cashless
BGCI is empanelled with almost all major insurers and TPAs for cashless treatment, including Aditya Birla Health Insurance, Niva Bupa, Digit Insurance, Care Health Insurance, Vidal Health TPA, ICICI Lombard, Raksha TPA, Future Generali, SBI General Insurance, Oriental Insurance, Liberty General Insurance, IFFCO Tokio, Cholamandalam MS, Medi Assist TPA and almost all other major insurers and TPAs. Our insurance desk arranges pre-authorisation. For Ayushman Bharat, call us with your card details and our insurance desk will tell you the same day how your card can be used. Full steps: hernia surgery insurance.
Facilities at BGCI
- Modern laparoscopic operation theatre for keyhole repair of every hernia type.
- Advanced endoscopy and colonoscopy suite, useful for hiatal hernia and reflux work-up.
- Fully equipped in-house diagnostic laboratory for same-visit pre-operative tests.
- Comfortable patient rooms for rest after surgery.
- 24/7 emergency care support on +91 82641-60001.
- Cashless insurance desk.
- Stitchless laparoscopic technique with skin glue.
- Same-day walking and discharge within 24 hours for most keyhole repairs.
- One surgeon from consultation to follow-up.
- Online pre-arrival consultation for NRI and out-of-town patients, with reports shared on WhatsApp, and follow-up by phone or video.
Why patients choose Dr Raman Garg
Dr Raman Garg is a Surgical Gastroenterologist and Laparoscopic Hernia Surgeon with 20+ years of experience, 10,000+ laparoscopic surgeries and 1,000+ laparoscopic hernia repairs. He holds an MBBS from Government Medical College, Patiala, an MS in General Surgery from Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana, and a DNB in Surgical Gastroenterology from Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, plus a Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery and advanced laparoscopy training in Seoul, South Korea. He is registered with the Dubai Health Authority as Physician Specialist, Gastrointestinal Surgery, and is a member of IAGES and AMASI. He is the first surgical gastroenterologist in the Malwa belt of Punjab. Patients come from all Punjab districts, Haryana, Rajasthan and abroad. See his full profile.
Patients we see from your area
From Mansa, Sirsa and Patiala to Faridkot, Muktsar and Abohar, families travel to BGCI by road, by bus from the main bus stand, or by train to Bathinda Junction. See all towns on areas we serve. Visiting from abroad? Read the NRI patients page.
How to book
- WhatsApp your reports or a photo of the lump to +91 82641-60001 (secondary +91 99885-03800).
- Visit OPD, Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Sunday is emergency only.
- Dr Raman Garg examines you, confirms the type and explains your options.
- Surgery is planned, cashless approval is arranged if you have insurance.
Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Power House Road, Near Street No. 10, Bathinda, Punjab 151001, India. Email bgcibathinda@gmail.com. Emergency care support 24/7. Book an appointment.
Call +91 82641-60001 | WhatsApp your report | Book appointment
Call +91 82641-60001 WhatsApp your report Book appointmentRelated pages
Hernia surgery in Punjab | Hernia symptoms | Hernia surgery in Bathinda | Hernia hospital in Punjab | Hernia surgery recovery | Hernia ka ilaj
Medically reviewed by Dr Raman Garg. Last updated: 8 November 2026. This page is general information; your plan is set after Dr Raman Garg examines you.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of hernia are there?
The common types are inguinal, femoral, umbilical, epigastric, incisional, hiatal and recurrent hernia, plus rarer ones such as Spigelian and obturator hernia. Inguinal (groin) hernia is the most common. Dr Raman Garg confirms your type by examination and, when needed, a scan or endoscopy.
Hernia kitne prakar ke hote hain?
Hernia ke mukhya prakar hain: inguinal (jaangh ka), umbilical (naabhi ka), hiatal (pet aur chhati ke beech), incisional (purane operation ke nishan par), femoral aur recurrent. Sabse zyada jaangh ka hernia hota hai. Sahi prakar ka pata sirf jaanch se lagta hai.
Which hernia is the most common?
Inguinal hernia in the groin is the most common type, especially in men. Around three out of four hernias that need surgery are in the groin. Umbilical and incisional hernias come next, and hiatal hernia is common in people with long-term acid reflux.
Which hernia type is most dangerous?
Femoral hernia has the highest chance of getting trapped because its neck is narrow, though any hernia can become an emergency. Sudden severe pain, a hard lump that will not go back, vomiting or no gas needs same-day hospital care. Do not wait at home.
What does hernia pain feel like?
Most people feel a dragging, burning or pulling ache at the lump, worse when standing, coughing or lifting, and better when lying down. A hiatal hernia feels like chest burning and sour burps. Sharp pain with a hard lump is a warning sign.
How can I tell if I have a hernia?
Look for a bulge in the groin, navel, scar or belly wall that appears on standing or coughing and settles when you lie down. Pain or heaviness near it supports the diagnosis. Only an examination confirms it, so see Dr Raman Garg in OPD.
Pet ka hernia aur naabhi ka hernia mein kya fark hai?
Naabhi ka hernia belly button ke ek dum paas ubharta hai. Pet ka hernia belly ki kisi bhi deewar par ho sakta hai, jaise naabhi ke upar (epigastric) ya purane operation ke nishan par (incisional). Dono ka ilaj operation hai, aur tareeka size ke hisab se tay hota hai.
Can a hernia go away without surgery?
No. A hernia is a gap in muscle, and it does not close by itself in adults. A belt or exercise may ease discomfort but does not repair the gap. Surgery is the lasting treatment. Baby umbilical hernias are the exception and often close by age 4 or 5.
Hernia da ilaj kithe hunda hai Punjab vich?
Hernia da ilaj Bathinda de Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute vich Dr Raman Garg kol hunda hai. Oh 1,000 ton wadh laparoscopic hernia repairs kar chuke ne. Reports WhatsApp te bhej sakde ho, te cashless insurance di sahulat vi hai.
Is hernia after C-section common?
Yes, an incisional hernia can develop at the C-section scar in some women, months or years later. It shows as a bulge below the navel, often with pain on lifting. It needs mesh repair. Dr Raman Garg treats these by keyhole in suitable patients.
How much does hernia surgery cost in Punjab?
Typical Punjab costs for 2026 are about Rs 30,000 to 65,000 for open inguinal repair and Rs 50,000 to 1,10,000 for laparoscopic repair on one side. Other types vary with size and mesh. The tables above list every type, and the final cost is set after examination.
Is a hiatal hernia the same as a stomach hernia?
A hiatal hernia is a stomach hernia in one sense: the upper stomach slides into the chest through the diaphragm. It causes acid reflux and chest burning rather than a visible lump. It is different from a pet ka hernia on the belly wall.